Jeremy Jacquet is finally ready to go for Liverpool, and with the USA pre-season tour kicking off this weekend against Sunderland, the young French center-back could be stepping onto the pitch for his debut. Manager Andoni Iraola confirmed there's no more doubt about Jacquet's fitness, a massive boost for a squad that really lost its way last season and badly needs some serious defensive clarity. After last year, every bit of good news feels like a win.
Jacquet's Shoulder Is Healed, The Boss Is Pumped
Remember that nagging shoulder injury Jacquet had been carrying since February? Yeah, that doubt is officially GONE. Iraola made it crystal clear our guy is available immediately, which is exactly what you want to hear heading into a pre-season all about getting bodies sharp and making those crucial first impressions. You can tell Iraola is hyped too. He was quoted saying, "Jeremy was a player that I knew very well, even before signing for Liverpool." That's a strong vote of confidence! He added, "Still being young, I think he has all the tools that we will need for that position." And the best part? His recovery is complete: "He also came into the last months of the [past] season with a shoulder injury, but he is fully healed. He has been already training with the U21s. He's ready to go from the beginning." This is huge, man. Fit, available, no drama. If Jacquet travels, he should absolutely be playing against Sunderland in Nashville, making his mark from minute one.
Liverpool's Defense Needs Clarity, And Fast
This isn't just about one guy getting on the field. This debut matters because Liverpool's entire center-back situation has looked shaky for too long. After a rough 2025/26 season, the team desperately needs to put some real shape on things, especially at the back. Virgil van Dijk is expected back around the Sunderland game, which is great, but whether he actually makes the trip for these early matches is still up in the air. That means the spotlight shines even brighter on Jacquet. Other names like Giovanni Leoni, Joe Gomez, and even academy players Mor Talla Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe might also be in the mix, but Jacquet's arrival brings something fresh and new. He's here, he's fit, and he's young enough to make an immediate impact and be judged quickly. Pre-season friendlies don't define careers, sure, but they absolutely shape those early narratives and set the tone for the season. For Liverpool, and for Iraola, this is a chance to start strong. For Jacquet? Get on the pitch, look comfortable, and remove one big question mark before the real football gets underway.
So keep your eyes peeled this weekend as Liverpool kicks off their USA pre-season tour against Sunderland in Nashville. After that, Wrexham and Leeds United are on the schedule. This is Jacquet's shot to show everyone what he's truly got, and honestly, Liverpool needs him to shine bright right out of the gate.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.